Term | Definition |
bilirubin | orange-colored or yellowish pigment in bile |
bolus | mass of masticated (chewed) food ready to be swallowed |
exocrine | a gland that secrete its products through execretory ducts to the surface of an organ, tissue, or a vessel |
sphincter | circular band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or close a natural opening of the body (ex: lower esophageal sphincter that constricts once food has passed into the stomach |
Barium swallow aka Upper GI series | radiographic examination of the Upper GI tract after giving the patient Barium solution by mouth |
Barium enema aka Lower GI series | radiographic examination of the Lower GI series after giving Barium through an enema (injected fluids through the rectum) |
Computerized Tomography (CT) | imaging at different angels and cross section |
Ultrasonography | imaging using high frequency sound waves |
Liver Function Tests (LFT) | measuring the level of some enzymes in the blood. High level indicates poor function liver (SGOT, SGPT) |
Hemoccult Test (stool guaiac) | a test to detect traces of blood in the stool |
Stool culture | a test to check bacteria's presence in the stool |
Endoscopy | visual examination of the inside of the body |
esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) | visual examination of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum |
cholecystography | radiographic of the Gall Bladder |
sialography | radiographic of the salivary glands |
Gastroenterology | study of the disease of the Digestive System |
Gastroenterologist | a physician who specializes in the disease of the Digestive System |
Gastroeasophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | backfow of gastric contents into the esophagus |
diverticulosis | small pockets develop in the inner lining of the large intestine |
Peptic Ulcer | a wound in the stomach's wall or duodenum |
pyloric stenosis | narrowing of the pyloric sphincter |
Halitosis | bad breath |
dyspepsia | bad digestion (indigestion), discomfort after eating |
dysphagia or aphagia | difficulty swallowing |
dysentery | severe infection of the intestine, especially the colon, caused by ingesting contaminated food or water that carried parasites, bacteria, chemicals which results in bloody diarrhea |
cholelithiasis | stone in the gall bladder or bile duct |
liver cirrhosis | liver cells are replaced by fibrous tissue |
Malabsorption Syndrome | inadequate absorption of nutrients |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation |
hemorrhoids | dialated veins in the anal canal |
eructation (belching) | passing gas from the stomach |
flatus (fart) | passing gas from the anus |
regurgitation | backflow (opposite direction), vomiting |
hematemesis | vomiting of blood |
steatorrhea | passage of fat in the feces |
melena | passage of dark stool due to presence of blood |
diarrhea | frequent bowel movement and becomes passage of loose stool |
constipation | infrequent bowel movement and becomes passage of dry hard stool |
obstipation | severe constipation |
fecalith | fecal concretion |
anorexia | loss of appetite |
cachexia | severe loss of weight and muscle mass due to lack of nutrient, commonlyy associated w/ AIDS and cancer |
ascites | abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen |
borborygmus | gurgling sound in the intestine due to passage of gas (when belch) |
Nasogastric Tube (NG) | feeding tube for patient who is unable to swallow, for the Total Parental Nutrient (TPN) purpose |
cholecystectomy | surgical removal of the gall bladder |
polypectomy | surgical removal of the polyp |
colostomy | creating an opening in the colon through the abdominal wall |